1
as in themes
a major object of interest or concern (as in a discussion or artistic composition)
the motif of mute figures standing in lonely isolation is a recurrent one in the artist's works
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2
as in patterns
a unit of decoration that is repeated all over something (as a fabric)
the fabric for the upholstery features a scallop shell motif
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Recent Examples of motifs
Pelly writes of some artists, in search of viral fame, who surreptitiously use social media to effectively beta test melodies and motifs, basically putting together songs via crowdsourcing.
—
Hua Hsu, The New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2024
Graphic Tees with Fun Internet Sayings Carter also critiqued graphic tees emblazoned with quirky internet sayings, comparing their rise to the with mustache motifs.
—Lydia Patrick, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024
The castle’s bleached, sparse interior also looks a lot like the one in Herzog’s film, and this new Nosferatu’s recurring motifs—swarming rats, Catholic totems, a beach pock-marked with wonky graves—simultaneously pays tribute and blows dust off the hundred-year-old story.
—Maya Ibbitson, Architectural Digest, 23 Dec. 2024
He is known for work that fuses traditional Tlingit and contemporary practices and motifs in order to critique colonialism and elevate Indigenous culture.
—News Desk, Artforum, 19 Dec. 2024
With its vibrant colors and bold motifs, the maximalist flooring trend can instantly energize any space, no matter its size or shape.
—Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Dec. 2024
Rath suggests choosing motifs and cheery hues that speak to you as a starting point.
—Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Dec. 2024
The Moorish motifs in the Great Hall felt ripe for reimagination.
—Charlotte Collins, Architectural Digest, 17 Dec. 2024
Influenced by the Regency era, Rococo is an architectural style boasting intricate curved lines, natural motifs, luxe materials, and pastel shades.
—Isabella Milano, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Dec. 2024
Hua Hsu, The New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2024
Graphic Tees with Fun Internet Sayings Carter also critiqued graphic tees emblazoned with quirky internet sayings, comparing their rise to the with mustache motifs.
—Lydia Patrick, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024
The castle’s bleached, sparse interior also looks a lot like the one in Herzog’s film, and this new Nosferatu’s recurring motifs—swarming rats, Catholic totems, a beach pock-marked with wonky graves—simultaneously pays tribute and blows dust off the hundred-year-old story.
—Maya Ibbitson, Architectural Digest, 23 Dec. 2024
He is known for work that fuses traditional Tlingit and contemporary practices and motifs in order to critique colonialism and elevate Indigenous culture.
—News Desk, Artforum, 19 Dec. 2024
With its vibrant colors and bold motifs, the maximalist flooring trend can instantly energize any space, no matter its size or shape.
—Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Dec. 2024
Rath suggests choosing motifs and cheery hues that speak to you as a starting point.
—Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Dec. 2024
The Moorish motifs in the Great Hall felt ripe for reimagination.
—Charlotte Collins, Architectural Digest, 17 Dec. 2024
Influenced by the Regency era, Rococo is an architectural style boasting intricate curved lines, natural motifs, luxe materials, and pastel shades.
—Isabella Milano, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Dec. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Motifs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motifs. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.
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